New Zealand’s Defence Force said two of its naval ships have transited the Taiwan Strait, amid tension over the waterway claimed by China and regarded by Taiwan and other sovereign nations as international waters.
The September 18 transits, by naval frigate Te Mana and oiler Aotearoa, were part of a three-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
“New Zealand Defence Force deployments to the region demonstrate our continued interest and commitment to the region,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Reuters: New Zealand naval ships transit contested Taiwan Strait